like it has always been

It’s officially fall, in case your weather cannot confirm it, which means that car shows will be tapering off to nothing.  Cruise nights will be going into hibernation, and many garage projects return to the garage, after being pushed out under a tree for repair and restoration all summer.  Convertible tops will be stored in the up position for months to come, and many will and are preparing to put their motorcycle up for the winter.  Just 90 days ago we were preparing for the heat, and some already complaining about it, now they are complaining about the cold and how it effects their older bones.  And what to do now that summer is gone, the kids are back in school, and with shorter day light, longer nights, many projects go back into storage until next spring, when the process begins again.  Like it always has...

This Friday is the last night of Cruising Grand, and looking back to so many I missed, I will go to the last one, just because.  Things go by so fast when there are many choices, but when narrowed down to one choice, and that choice is gone, we notice it more, and wish we had participated more.  That we had made more memories, taken more pictures, and enjoyed ourselves more.  In the good times, we think there will always be a tomorrow, and sometimes anticipate it more than today, missing out on today’s blessings.  And so with fewer choices, the few become more valuable, and we may attend something that we would otherwise miss, if a better one comes along.  When moving to So Cal years ago, I noticed that many would not confirm a reservation, waiting until the last minute for a better one.  Something we may all be guilty of.  And now with fewer shows, cruise nights gone, and cooler weather here, it’s dark after supper and we go in front of the TV.  Where we search 200+ channels, and finding nothing on, go through them again, settling for something less than we want, until the next show comes along.  Fortunately I have a TV in my garage, so I can sit among the motorcycles on cool nights, and look back,  and ahead.  It is only 6 months until summer, don’t delay, start making your plans now, just leaving them open because you know a better offer may come along. 

But October means fall weather, a sweatshirt under my jacket, and riding out to the desert and hills.  It will still be hot there for awhile, it is hard to think of 70 degrees as hot after days of 90-100.  And the car shows go on, and on Friday, October 4th, 10-4 to you good buddy, I will be in Hollywood attending the 10th annual 10-4 Day.  Started 10 years ago, note the anniversary, by a local city councilman to honor police heroes of TV, this year will have Jon and Ponch of CHiPS, Sgt. Malloy of Adam 12 and David Starsky of Starsky and Hutch.  Cruising down Hollywood Blvd. and meeting in front of Broderick Crawford’s star on the Walk of Fame, he of Highway Patrol, and the guy who made “10-4” a popular phrase of the day.  A chance to meet other police car junkies and get photo ops with them.  A time to look back at the old days, before suspended sentences, lenient judges, and crime out of control.  We felt safe knowing Mary 3 and 4 were just a shift or two away on their Kawasaki police bikes, or that Starksy would come screeching around a corner sideways...book ‘em Dano.  You felt safe even though the city was smitten with multiple 9-11’s that Reed and Malloy would show up and catch the suspect, and offer him a free ride down to Parker Center.  You knew the bad guys were out there, but the good guys would ultimately win, and felt safe leaving your doors and window open at night each summer night...sleeping peacefully knowing someone was watching over you.

But my favorite shows, in case you haven’t caught on, were the ones with the cars and bikes, I cared more about them than Hutch’s love life, which I’m sure suffered due to his driving an early 70’s Ford sedan.  You knew Starsky would score with his red Torino, you knew Reed went home to his wife and 2.5 kids in suburbia, and that some disco was staying open late for Ponch.  The vehicles made them,  imagine Adam 12 in unmarked cruisers?  Jon and Ponch on 10 speeds?  The cars were the stars, we watched to see them, and would suffer through stupid plots for a glimpse of them.  And now just like summer, they are gone, with just one morning to remember them.  Bundle up, the ride home will be colder than the ride up.

Life for most of us is like the plots of these shows, where we sit through mundane days and nights, until something exciting happens.  We celebrate holidays, look forward to picnics, and car shows, and even plan vacations way ahead of time.  That two weeks a year, or 1/13th of our year comes so slow, and ends so quickly, but we neglect the times in between, failing to enjoy them.  Being a Christian is a 7/24 proposition for many of us.  We just don’t look forward to Sunday and church, but Jesus is the most important thing of our days and nights.  A season that doesn’t end, but that exciting things are there, along with the blessings, if we just look.  Or get out.  This last weekend we attended a Woodies meet, over 300 woodies in attendance, did you make it there?  We had Ann Graham Lotz speak at church, I hope you didn’t miss her.  What were you doing, in front of the TV?  Life is for the living, and Jesus tells us we can have it abundantly.  The opportunities are there, where are you?

Look around and many signs of Jesus’ return for His church are there?  Where are you?  What you are seeking you will find, what are you looking for?  We find fellowship both in church and at secular events-where many ministry opportunities are.  We find chances to talk old cars and Jesus at Cruising Grand.  We find bikers with needs at rallies, and make new friends at all the above.  We get out...the ministry of just being there.  Want more joy, get out of your house.  Turn off the TV, after CHiPS, and go for a ride.  To church, but go somewhere.  Starbucks is a great place to spend too much for coffee, and not bring your gun, but look around at the hurting people.  And you wonder, where can I minister?  Take some time to get out among the lost, they’re everywhere, maybe listening to their stories, then telling yours.  Opportunity knocks, so you can go out.  Inviting you to blessings, will you go?

Jesus was out among the people.  He didn’t hang with church folk, they hated Him.  He hung out at secular events, like we do.  But something was different about Him, if you know Him you know what I mean.  Your Jerusalem may be a 9x12 cell, or the open road.  Either way use the opportunities to share the joy of Christ.  Summer has come and gone, winter will soon be upon us.  Seasons come, seasons go, Jesus is the same always.  How about you, what are you doing this weekend?  The process continues, like it always has.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com 

profiles in cowardice

Admit it, in real life we all hated Goldilocks.  That blonde brat had it all, and none of us were good enough for her.  She breaks into a home, raids the fridge, leaves dirty dishes, tries out all the beds, leaving them unmade, and finally has the guts to critique the way we run our own home.  She was like a precursor to Barbie, who it has been said of “I hate that @#%^$, she has it all.”  And never have I seen or heard of either one working, having a job, or even contributing to society.  “I want,” is all either can say, and Ms. Locks sure had her way with a certain bear family.  Me first, tough luck on all the rest of you, just so I get my way.  So much for democracy where the majority make the rules, when one doesn’t like them, they conveniently hide behind one of them for their own good, never considering anyone else but themselves.  Last night with short notice, Escondido’s Bike Night was cancelled.  It had been successful all summer, bringing bikers of all types together, adding customers to Mike’s BBQ, a co-sponsor, and endorsed and insured by the local dealers.  Even had the blessing of the landlord of the mall, and Thursday night brought in people on an otherwise quiet night.  Until one prejudiced business owner against bikers, called the police, and they showed up-big surprise, just mention bikers, who were on private property invited by the owner, and it was cancelled.  This business, Weight Watchers, claimed bikers were hurting his business, and again the right of the individual won out-at least for now.  And to prove his prejudice, and lack of community and respect for others, he wasn’t and isn’t even open Thursday night.  What gives?  Don’t the accused even get a trial, aren’t they innocent until proven guilty?  Where are our accusers now? 

Now consider this, have you ever seen a toy drive from fat people?  How many overweight people in mini vans have cut you off?  Do you ever see Ms. 300 pound helping someone with a flat tire?  But you do bikers in all the above, except we are often run over or off the road by them.  And we are not anti-overweight, how many  350 pound men do you know named Tiny?  Eat to ride, and ride to eat...our motto for years.  Yet one prejudiced man, a coward, hides behind the law, for now, revealing himself for what he really is-a bigot.  Personally I have lost all respect for Weight Watchers, and figure anyone who will charge you money for something you can get for free is evil.  And bigoted, and prejudice.  They have profiled themselves, the Goldilocks telling us what to eat, and how to live-just not on a motorcycle or in their mall.  Stupid hurts, I hope they feel our pain,too.

Now we all have our own prejudices, mine is stupidity.  I have trouble with stupid people.  You know who you are, and only the grace of God, and friendly bikers help you get by.  Imagine if this was a gay biker meeting, an undocumented biker gathering, or an unwed mother biker meet?  You would see the news cameras there, interviewing the prejudiced, claiming their rights in the constitution.  But as bikers, we only go where we are wanted, and another mall will get our business.  And all you other neighbors of Weight Watchers, make sure to send them a thank you card for running of potential business.  Bikers spend money, and lots of it, too.  And we have non-biker friends, who will back us up with their wallets.  Am I prejudiced against this guy-you bet!  And where is our accuser, hiding out?  Behind the law?  You will be and have been exposed...

False accusations and bigotry is nothing new.  Jesus had to deal with it, when coming upon a women who had been caught in adultery.  A crime that takes two, but where was the other one?  Yet the crowd was crying to stone her, and under Mosaic law, the accuser would have to throw the first stone, and if the accused was found innocent, the accuser got the same penalty.  Bring it back I say, clear out the courts, and let’s get on with life, and riding.  Yet when Jesus approached, they felt they had Him too, a double win for the Pharisees.  But leaning over, He wrote famous words that no one except the accusers ever saw, and the crowd broke up.  Leaving the accused woman all alone except for Jesus.  Who then asked, “where are your accusers?  Go and sin no more.”  He knew what she had done, and also her partner, yet He never accused her of sin.  Love won’t and doesn’t-your sin will find you out.  And so it has for the Weight Watcher shop owner.  Your sin has found you out, and we ask, “where is our accuser?”

But we will also extend an invitation to you and your family to meet us, and even offer you and your family a ride.  No prejudices to you, we invite you to meet the freedom of riding, and as a Christian rider, extend the hand of forgiveness.  Don’t fear what you don’t understand, and learn to not profile others.  How would you feel if we sat in front of your store holding up fat people signs with jokes and abusive language?  We don’t and won’t, because we care for fat and thin, tall and short, biker and non.  And Christians even will love you as you are, just as Jesus loved us enough to die for us while we were yet sinners.  We were all sinners once, you are more like us then you care to admit.  So unclench your fists, and give us a chance.  We are willing to give you one....

Even Ms. Locks was given another chance.  Those bears could have and should have eaten her alive.  But didn’t, setting an example of forgiveness to others.  Also showing compassion to those who don’t show it to others.  Just like most bikers will do.  Can you picture Goldilocks stopping to help change a tire?  Give a ride home to a senior?  Attend a toy run?  Mr. Weight Watcher we invite you and your family to the real world.   A Christian world where bikers and over weight people can get together, and be friends.  Where if you have a problem we can discuss it, and handle it.  But also be aware of the lesson of the Hollister Rally, cancelled under false pretenses by two now out of work public servants, and the rally is back...bigger than ever.  We will listen to you, we have families also, please keep that in mind.  Let’s take this profile in cowardice and turn it around.  For good.  So where are our accusers...and would you be willing to leave when we are found innocent?  He who is without sin....maybe doesn’t ride.  Try it Jesus’s way, in love.  It is hard to shake a hand with a clenched fist.  I extend our open hands to you, overweight people everywhere, Goldilocks, and you too Barbie...Jesus loves you...will you at least give us a chance to prove it?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

I miss the 80's

Riding home from church last night was the first time in memory that I had to wear a jacket.  Just the day before I had to wear a sweatshirt, and the calendar tells me that Saturday is the first day of fall.  Which means shorter daylight, longer nights, although the day still has only 24 hours, and soon I will be dressing in layers of clothing again.  Which many are already doing who don’t live in So Cal, but our warmest month of the year is coming to an end.  Soon the highs will only be in the 70’s, today it says only 79, where it has been in the 80’s at least all month.  I sweated at 92 just last weekend.  But I am happiest in the 80’s, about 85, low humidity, tail wind, and time to ride.  But today I might need a sweatshirt and I am reminded how I miss the 80’s.

Now not the 1980’s, I was too busy raising kids, a family, and trying to make ends meet while having a career.  I entered the 80’s on my 1975 Z-1, and left it on my 1985 FJ1100, but with a Honda 650 and Kawi 750 in between.  And not enough time to ride either.  Living in New Mexico I was used to seasons and short rides in my riding suit.  So I don’t necessarily miss the 80’s time wise, but missed the 80’s temperature wise.  But when we moved to So Cal, the 80’s came back, and even though New Mexico summers are hotter, and we felt like we missed summer that year, I never missed winter again.  Still don’t, as I enjoy riding in just a t-shirt, and now that I have aroused all the newbie riders, identified by being overdressed, I will always wear an Arai, what is the label on your helmet say?  Cool in summer, warm in winter, and quiet all the time.  But today riding home from San Diego I know it will be cooler, a high of 79, and my body will translate to my mind that I miss the 80’s.

Now temperature is a relative thing.  I have been cold at 85, yet warmed at 55.  No accounting for what my body will tell me next.  But I recall a trip made to Albuquerque from Farmington via Gallup with Brett and Julie, Dave, George, and Theresa and I.  They were relatively newer riders, and it was fall, highs in the 40-50’s, so we all dressed appropriately, or so we thought, until the trip home up Hiway 550 across the reservation brought wind and temps in the 30’s.  How we wished for anything warmer.  Now my warmer consisted of a Wheels of Man riding suit, which in winter temps kept me toasty, toasty warm is cool in winter.  But it was warm leaving Albuquerque, and we put our pack on George’s bike, and left early, knowing it is better to be home in daylight than the dark and cold.  I should have known better.  George and Dave were well known fun lovers, they once mooned the entire Durango to Silverton train, and who knows what they were up to after us old married types left, but when it got cold, I wished I had my riding suit.  Which so did George and Dave as they froze riding home that afternoon.  They stopped more than once, wishing they had my riding suit and its warmth, not realizing it was tied to George’s seat the whole time.  How many times had he leaned against it wishing, and not knowing.  And then remembering when they stopped by to drop off our luggage, and we all wished we had the suit...while all the time they had it!

Many times in life we pray for God’s help, only to look back and see how He answered, only it wasn’t the answer we wanted or were looking for.  Leaning on our own understanding, much as they had leaned on my riding suit, the answer to the problem was there, just not seeing it.  So when asked “why doesn’t God show me His will for my life?” a big theme when I got saved, I have learned He does, only you weren’t listening.  And if He did, the first thing you would do would be to change it, or argue with God.  Of course, knowing better than God, never considering if you do, why ask Him anyway?  So when God sent His son Jesus, the Jews weren’t looking for a humble man on a jackass, but a mighty king to set them free.  What they needed, in answer to their prayers.  But they were looking for personal gain, political power, and revenge...not forgiveness, mercy and grace.  God had given them what they asked for, and still does today, in the form of Jesus.  And they missed it.  So we argue, whine, disobey, then wonder why God isn’t talking to us.  Could it be we aren’t listening?  Could it be that He likes to hear from us, so His answer isn’t immediate?  So we can call Him again?  Is He texting someone else?  Don’t ever doubt God’s instant message service, for if I had been listening, He would have told me to take the riding suit, and wear it-He knew my need before I asked and froze.  Even provided for it.  So it is that God answers, do we listen?  Do we obey?  Good advice only works if taken.

So is it any wonder that I miss the 80’s.  But not as much as the 40’s-50’s-60’s, and 70’s.  I miss the warm weather.  I’m no fool.  But I also have learned to dress in layers, and take off the jacket, then the sweatshirt, and ride comfortably.  Experience has taught me to plan ahead, and when I ask, to listen.  And I have learned that safe and warm can be as far away as the back pack behind you.  Or the God ahead of you.  On a day that I asked God, He had already provided.  Ironically I was seeking a Wheels of MAN answer, instead of listening to God.  At least I didn’t go Jonah on Him, and end up on the beach, all white and sticky.  I’m sure it was warm inside the whale, never heard Jonah complain about the cold.  Obedience is better than sacrifice, warm is better than cold, and a motorcycle ride is always better than a day at the beach in a whale.  Trust God on that one, and trust Him to be there when you need Him.  With the right answer, before, after, and during.  The most important part of prayer is listening for the answer.  Are you listening?  Now you know why I miss the 80’s.  But I’m ready this time, sweatshirts and leathers.  Fool me once your fault, fool me twice my fault.  But you are no fool for trusting God.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

to get to the other side

A government survey today announced that advertising has an effect on what you eat.  I’m sure that Mickey D, Pizza Grunt, Papa Juan’s Pizza and every knows it’s Windy’s will be glad to hear that.  Burger Thing may finally be having it their way, all at our expense.  And I wonder, what did they expect from their ads?  But then again, what did you expect from your government?  They obviously never saw the ad that you can have it your way...as long as it it their way.  But in other headlines today, a startling report that has been out for years is circulating again.  Did you know that over 10% of all bridges in the US of A are in danger of collapsing?  They meet some criteria to cause danger, and of that, another 10% of them are in danger of imminent collapse, based on two different studies and their overlapping criteria.  It seems that the rush to build the Interstates in the 1950’s provided cheap labor and materials to build them, and many are at their life expectancy-almost 60 is all they were designed to last.  And since things were good for Richie, Potsie, and Ralph back then, they never figured that today we would be in such a big mess.  Their parents had survived the Great Depression, WWII, the Big One, and were assured of prosperity.  Taxes were very low, people trusted their government, and the future looked rosy.  We all had hopes and dreams to be realized, some as big as the fins on a 1959 Cadillac, and we were the US of A-nothing would stop us.  It was our right, we deserved it, we had fought for it, and anyone who thought different was labeled a Communist or dissident.  We had come a long way in a short time, and nothing would stop us...not even Russia or the fact they had...the bomb.  We had more and ours were bigger.

Now any elementary school kid knows why the chicken crossed the road, to get to the other side.  And it is the same answer for bridges, why do we cross a bridge, to get to the other side.  There really is no other reason for it, it can be that simple.  But just prevent us from getting to that other side, and look out.  Before the Coronado Bay Bridge a ferry was the only way over, try taking that away today.  Side note-the Coronado Bay Bridge is unique in that when it was paid off, they cancelled the tolls, and today it is free.  See-it can be done.  No survey yet to back that one up.  Want to throw traffic into a panic like when the Oakland Bay Bridge collapsed, throw an earthquake.  When more traffic lanes needed, build Martha under George like the George Washington Bridge.  And so bridges basic function is to get us to the other side.  And like bridges, they fascinate me, bridges like the Astoria Bridge, the Mackinac Bridge, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge have all made getting to the other side more interesting, more entertaining.  Just driving on the Golden Gate and looking up at the towers is awe inspiring.  Yet too many of these bridges are in need of repair or maintenance, and some are starting to fall unexpectedly.  Despite the warnings.

Now that you have been reminded of why chickens and bridges cross the roads, ask yourself, is there a bridge to heaven?  Do we need one?  The last survey I heard of shows 100% of all of us will die.  No sample group needed in this one.  No placebos, no trick questions.  100% of us will die-always has been, always will be.  And the question is what happens and where do we go?  It is our choice, heaven or hell, and the bridge to heaven is via Jesus Christ.  Without Him we fall into the bottomless pit called hell, but He offers us a bridge to heaven.  A bridge without toll, a bridge for any and all...and he is the only bridge to get us to heaven.  Again the basic function of a bridge, to get to the other side.  Yet some doubt there is an other side, or try to be a good person to get there.  They have developed a set of standards, using their own criteria, and when that bridge fails, there is no coming back.  There are no second chances.  A certain rich man in Luke 16 when seeing Lazarus, a poor beggar he ignored everyday in heaven, and he in hell, begged for a drop of water for his tongue, and to go back and warn others.  Yet he was refused, there is no bridge back...and if you are in heaven, why would you want to return?  So it is only those caught in the lie and unwilling to trust Jesus that suffer, and have no chance.  But we do now, are you willing to trust God to get you to heaven, or some goofy religion, or think you are good enough on your own?  Don’t believe in heaven, hell is full of those like you...together but forever alone from God.  Bridge out...they ignored the warnings.  So today heed the advice of one Lawrence Berra, aka Yogi, when you come to the fork in the road, take it.  And when you are offered passage to heaven via the bridge we call Jesus Christ, take it.  Guaranteed you will never want to come back, and be glad you made the right choice.  All others, you had your chance.  So be like the Coronado Bay Bridge, your tolls have been paid, your sins forgiven, and you are able to cross for free. 

All based on a loving God on the other side, who wishes you to spend eternity with Him.  A bridge with all lanes open, a bridge that needs no repairs.  A bridge that unlike our lives needs no maintenance, and one that is always open.  We will all cross over some day, I choose the bridge known as Jesus.  To get to the other side.  Hope to see you there.

Think about it, heaven.  No taxes, no crime, no long lines to wait in, and no politics.  With a future that looks rosy forever.  Even Ralph and Potsie couldn’t say no to that.  Unlike today, those days will be our Happy Days.  He Dad, can I borrow the car for a date?  A-Y-Y-Y-Y!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the not so easy roads of an easy rider

Thanks to a new channel on my Direct TV, called MAVTV, I have had to watch Easy Rider three times in the past two weeks.  I somehow find myself drawn again and again to the sound of the exhaust, and the charisma of a road trip on two wheels.  But this time, after remembering certain roads they travelled, I wondered if they looked familiar from repeated viewings, or had I ridden them?  So thanks to www.mrzip66.com, I was able to see where Wyatt’s and Billy’s ride to Mardi Gras took them, and retrace some of it myself.  It seems I have ridden most of their route over the years, and that is why it looks so familiar.  True the opening scene at LAX is forgettable, not my idea of a ride, but I remember taking John to the airport in 1975 via surface streets, and riding past the end of the runways with planes overhead shaking his car.  But from there they went by cage, in a 1958-60 Ford pickup, and spent the night in Ballarat, on the way to Death Valley.  Close to where the Manson Family hid out at a movie ranch.  Never been there, but close, and I can see them riding down 395 past the Trona exit, then 58 into Barstow, then taking RT. 66 east, no I-40 at the time.  Going through Daggett, Ludlow, past Roy’s in Amboy and continuing east, I have ridden it many times.  Past Needles, the worst place on earth, and then to Kingman, where we have spent many the first night on trips leaving So Cal.  Leaving town north by northeast on 66, I have paced the freight trains at 80mph, before heading past Valentine, Truxton, and Hackberry Springs, before again entering civilization in Seligman, where Angel Delgadillo still advertises Dead Chicken and serves up soft serve on hot days.  So far, you are still in the credits of the movie, but it all looks familiar-all 500 miles of it-even the bridge across the Colorado, except your eastern view is just the opposite of the Joad’s view of Rt.66.  Great riding, no cars, history, and historical.

You have passed through Williams, and past Bellmont, where the Harley Dealer runs a café, and the motel that flashed NO VACANCY to them still stands, just not in business anymore in this biker friendly environment.  Then there is Flagstaff, where we separate from Rt.66, heading north on US 89, to US 160.  A road we have taken too many times form our home in Durango, and across the Navajo Reservation, with side trips through Monument Valley.  Again I had passed the Sacred Mountain station where Billy got upset when Luke Askew filled Wyatt’s tank, it is still there.  And then into New Mexico, where we skip to the Taos are, which back then was a rough tough redneck town, and Dennis Hopper was even the mayor for awhile.  Today an artist’s colony with boutique motels, but just 45 years ago martial law.  And it also takes me back to my first Christmas with Theresa, going to Taos Pueblo, on the reservation, and watching them shoot guns in a ceremony while taking pictures, which afterwards we found out to be illegal.  Driving a Pacer, a demo car from work.  How things change.  Which is why Easy Rider had to build a hippie commune because no photos allowed in Arroyo Hondo.  No wonder their skinny dipping in the hot springs looked familiar, it too in the Taos area, near Rio Grande Gorge.  Roads I have travelled so many times, brought back to life via the movie.  Then into Las Vegas, NM, where they get busted for parading without a permit, no wonder it looked familiar.  Still looks the same today, been by the jail many times, just never in it.  And from there through the Pecos Wilderness, and to Amarillo, again on a road I have ridden, I believe it is NM 104.  With a stop at Lamy with my last Torches ride, to see the train station where we picked up my parents in 1982, shades of Bad Day at Black Rock, except Black Rock was bigger.  Why build a train station in the middle of nowhere?  Maybe hoping it would become a Las Vegas.  Then to Amarillo via Tucumcari, back on old 66, where I spent a night at the Holiday Inn when moving west in 1975, and again 30 years later on Torches.  Same biker friendly folks who let me put my R90S inside away from the storm. 

At that point it is across Texas, we lose track until the rednecks in Louisiana.  When first moved west I travelled US 287 into Amarillo, just the opposite of Billy and Wyatt.  And we have ridden across Texas on US 70, passing through towns only locals visit, and having dinner one night in a Tex Mex local diner,the only real Mexican food.  Marked with non-matching silverware, plates, and great cooking.  All served with a smile, not unsuspecting like in Louisiana.  Rednecks today are a common sight, back then a CAT Diesel hat meant danger, today it means trendy.  Then to New Orleans, which reminds me of Savannah, Georgia, its sister city, where I have walked among the tombstones, buried above ground.  I can still feel the humidity, and the sounds of the mills in the background.  I can still feel the fear of gong through the south in 1974, not yet 20, with the visions of Easy Rider in my head.  No place for this long haired freak, but that is another story.

And I have ridden down roads, past levees that look so familiar, where two rednecks want to just scare two bikers, ending in death.  A scene in the movie, although I know it is coming, still catches me off guard.  And leaves me in shock.  Sadly they never found what they were after, to quote Pearl, “freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.”  Billy thought they had made it, to retire in Florida, after cashing out, making the big score. Wyatt knew better, and I look back at his tossing of the watch in Ballarat, and his comment of being hip to time.  They had searched, but hadn’t found.  They had looked for the peace but it still escaped them.  And I thought of myself, just before I met Christ, having the same values and goals, just wanting to ride free, and for free.  But learning that freedom comes with a price, and only in Jesus will you be truly free.  That no road except the one that leads to Him will get you there, all others are just part of your testimony.  But that when you finally arrive, you know it, and can look back at how Jesus guided you even before you were saved.  We used to tell “Jesus doesn’t make people freaks, He makes freaks into people.”  I am one.  But as a new creation in Christ, I still have a past that I look back on, if only to show me how far I have come.  And as I look back, the roads I’ve ridden had value with Him, before they were just a way to get to where I was going.  Now every ride has value, and meaning, just because Jesus is along.  I can see where drugs led so many to destruction, and how dropping out as so many hippies did was only for a season, until they sobered up, got jobs, and became part of the establishment they resented.  It seems true revenge is having to look back on who you were, and God’s ultimate revenge is salvation.  Allowing you to become what you once detested, and enjoying it.  Giving life to one who was dead, and now alive thanks to Christ.  And the ability of looking back, and sharing your testimony of how far you have come.  And how far you have to go, with heaven the ultimate destination.

In Easy Rider two riders sought that heaven through earthly goods and experiences.  Only to come up short.  Which leaves the movie with a sad and honest ending.  But in Christ we go on, with more roads to travel, places to eat, and people to meet.  Time well spent on the road of life, best with your best friend along side you on a motorcycle.  And although my ride has not been easy, that is where I am today.  Riding with my two best friends, Jesus and Theresa.  A trip that began some 38 years ago, but actually earlier, some 44 years ago in a movie theatre.  Watching a movie that turned out to be my goal in life.  But this time having a happy ending in Christ.  America is out there.  May all your rides be as fruitful, but never too easy.  The not so easy roads of a real easy rider, riding in Christ.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthw25biker.blogspot.com

the movies today will be the news of tomorrow

There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling transmission. If we wish to make it louder, we will bring up the volume. If we wish to make it softer, we will tune it to a whisper. We will control the horizontal. We will control the vertical. We can roll the image, make it flutter. We can change the focus to a soft blur or sharpen it to crystal clarity. For the next hour, sit quietly and we will control all that you see and hear. We repeat: there is nothing wrong with your television set. You are about to participate in a great adventure. You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind to – The Outer Limits. 

And on that September evening in 1963, we were faced with a truth, although some would ignore it, or debate it.  It started with the movies on a big screen, and then invaded or homes, via the television set.  Rooms would be designed around using it as the focal point, and social events would be planned around what was on, from sports to favorite shows. But the monster was still an infant, and was about to mutate and multiply.  Soon televisions of all sizes, from mini screens to giant screens, invaded.  They soon popped up at sporting events, as the “big screen” at baseball and football games gave those who paid to much to attend a chance watch it live while there, with reruns and commercials-just like at home.  With new stadiums bragging about having the world’s largest screen, some so big they dominate the stadium, and the event. Even in larger megachurches, the pastor will tell you to “draw your attention to the big screens.” But as they got bigger, they also got smaller, and soon appeared everywhere, again like the voice told us, controlling transmission.  Soon every desktop PC had a monitor, to watch, just like some of you are doing now, reading this.  Then came the laptop, and soon cell phones had small screens, with internet access, and the ability to see who was calling, so you could answer or not.  Some would text, with the same results.  And soon our lives would be dominated by these little screens, so much that when a family sits down to eat, all members would have their own, communicating but not talking to each other.  Incorporating a new language of LOL, OMG, and others, abbreviating their words, and talking more, but saying less.  Controlling transmission, controlling the volume, the image, via pixel count, and soon the screen was controlling all we see and hear, and all of our responses.  Pictures and movies can be sent instantly to anyone, or everyone, and Youtube can reveal anything you want to know, and many things you don’t want people to know.  All the world is a camera, all it needed was an audience.  And we are it.  We had seen the future, now we were the future, and foolishly we paid big money to sacrifice our freedom, from and of freedoms...all because we had become victims of the screen.  Don’t believe me, put down your cell, turn off your computer, and don’t watch TV for the day.  Stay out of theatres, avoid offices, and watch as you don’t watch the effect these screens have on us.  They are everywhere.  The grip they hold us in powerful, and you tell me, have  reached the awe and mystery of Outer Limits?

Yet many will not accept this, when we can have full control via an off button, or as close as the remote.  But won’t.  We can exercise self control, the fruit of the spirit, yet we choose to go readily into slavery by these devices.  Some will argue that real time is good for troops to visit with their families, and yes not all is bad.  But it takes self control of the situation, and even then it can be used against you.  Such as the Benghazi real time massacre, which our president watched and now denies.  All things may be right, but not all things are righteous.  And on that September evening in 1963 we were told right up front, the future.  Prophetic words that very few were to recognize, and even fewer heed, and as we watch prophecy unfold daily on the evening news, many still choose to ignore the message, they rather be entertained then informed.  And soon this can and will have disastrous results for many....For a time is coming, when God will call for His bride, and Jesus will call all His believers to heaven, leaving earth instantly, in the blink of an eye, 1/240,000 of a second.  And those left behind will wonder what happened.  And the propaganda is in place.  Some years ago a friend of ours owned a TV station in Tucson, and told of premade tapes distributed to them explaining away what had happened.  Whether it was global warming, an alien invasion, or whatever else they planned to lie about, the truth was not out there.  Anything but Jesus, anything but the truth.  Tickle their eyes, entertain their eyes, just not the truth.  They would be controlling transmission, they would control all you see and hear.  Those left behind were facing the outer limits of sanity, and no matter the size of your screen, the truth will still be the truth.  And it is here now...the movies today will be the news of tomorrow.

The screens are everywhere, and even some today are looking back at us.  Your computer for instance, I was looking at motorcycle exhausts the other day, and now when I search something else, ads pop up about motorcycle exhausts.  How did they know?  Is someone watching what we are watching?  And recording it, for future playback?  Have we gone so far in the search of personal desires, labeling it freedom, that we forgot that it takes responsibility?  Has doing our own thing become a thing of someone else, who likes to watch and manipulate?  Has science fiction gone so far as to emulate truth that it is more believable and entertaining than the truth?  That great adventure the Outer Limits described is coming soon, and we are all going to participate in it- I choose Jesus and to be raptured out of here, what is your choice?  To some the message is a soft blur, don’t bother me.  To some it is crystal clear, God is real and so are His words.  And the truth is even further revealed here-there is nothing wrong with your televisions set.  Or laptop.  Or cellphone.  The problem is us, and it is our choice.  For every device comes equipped with an on/off switch.  While some only choose to mute the truth.  It is our choice, the only way a loving God would have it, for love does not demand its own way.  Love will not control all you see and hear, the only thing it will not control is your choice, and the choice is Jesus and life, or denial and death.  And while some wonder who the anti-Christ may be, I will be in heaven.  It won’t matter, and if you want to know, deny Jesus.  A choice.  Would you rather have knowledge, or follow God’s wisdom?  You have heard the truth, will you let Jesus set you free?  Are you ready for the great adventure that awaits you?  Or are you still txting?  Still rather be entertained than informed?  What if what Jesus said is true?  What then becomes of you?  What voices do you listen do, what voices will you listen to then?

We now return control of your television set to you. Until next week at the same time, when the control voice will take you to – The Outer Limits.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Panic in Detroit-1967, 1973, 2013

It’s a beautiful fall day in September, the weather is in the 70’s, a slight wind, and you decide to go to lunch with some fellow workers, and look at new cars.  The ads have promised new and more power, affordable payments, and just looking makes your three year old model look old, which is was, for this is the fall of 1966, and people would trade every two years, and better yet, you are in Detroit, the automotive capital of the world-MOTOWN!  Bright new Chevies, Fords, Pontiacs, Plymouths, and Cadillacs are out cruising the streets, top down if possible, and all is well in Detroit.  General Motors continues to be the largest manufacturer in the world, and is still under threat from the US government to be broken up as it has over 50% of the market.  Ford and Chrysler make up another 35%, and foreign means small, uncomfortable, and cheap.  With the exception Mercedes Benz, still not a luxury car here, and BMW, so exclusive most think the B stands for British.  MG sells more, and only VW is close, selling less than Mercury, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and even Buick.  This is Detroit, this is America, and no one will ever change that...and then nine months later riots take over the town, and it is never the same again.  Soon shuttered plants of the Hudson and Packard, once respectable cars, are empty, now for over 15 years, as no one wants them, soon to be joined by GM, Ford, Dodge, and Plymouth.  Even the mighty GM is looking to build cars in foreign countries, adding to the woes of Detroit.  And while Chevrolet still desires you to see the USA in a Chevrolet, many are looking past Detroit, and as the factories close, the population dwindles.  Once proud neighborhoods of factory workers are being found empty, as no work, means no paychecks, and they look elsewhere, if there is an elsewhere.  And suddenly that fall day in 1966 is part of a dream, as you look around at the burned out neighborhoods, now ghettos, and cars on blocks instead of on the street, how could anyone knew this would or could ever happen.

It is another fall day in Detroit, 1973, and OPEC has pushed oil prices high, so high that the little cars that Detroit wouldn’t build, but Japan does, are in demand, and MPG sells.  No one wants a Cadillac at 10mpg, but brags about almost fitting into their Datsun at 20mpg.  And as more new American cars don’t sell, the factories shut down, businesses around them close, and soon neighborhoods become the hood, and the city is in turmoil.  Now fast forward to the future, 2013, and another fall day full of color, but no one in Detroit is cruising.  In just 45 years, it has gone from a city of 2 million, to only 700,000.  Unemployment is still almost 20%, down from 25% a few years earlier, only the mass exodus of people bringing the rate down.  And finally the city, home of MOTOWN, home of General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler, home of the Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings, once a proud, growing, and productive city, is declaring bankruptcy.  It has lost over 70% of its manufacturing jobs in one generation, and no one wants Detroit.  Homes can be bought for les than $1000, just pay the back taxes, and entire city blocks are now reduced to vacant lots, as vandalism, crime, and poverty rule the day, and cars made in Korea, Japan, and Mexico are in driveways.  Even down the road in Dearborn where Henry Ford built housing developments for his workers, you find few Ford cars like before when you wanted to own what you made, now can’t afford to.  Just a generation ago, the fathers tell their kids, this place was booming, and prosperous.  We were living the American dream, and look at us now...a nightmare.  If it could happen here, it could happen anywhere...

And travelling throughout the US of A, it is happening everyday.  NO jobs equals no money, equals no homes.  Equals no hopes.  And soon a people without hope give up.  At first they are angry, then begin to lose hope, and then finally just don’t care, just before they give up altogether.  You find them on street corners, hanging out when they used to go to work.  They may have complained about taxes, but had an income to pay them from, and with taxes falling due to no work, cities cannot maintain roads, cannot respond to crime, to fires, and soon urban decay and ruin takes over.  All in a few short years, or as long as a generation.  And we deny it can ever happen here, to us, we are the US of A, God shed His grace on us, says so in the song.  We sing God Bless America, but we have forgotten to bless God.  And it shows.

Joseph Stalin, heathen, dictator, and nogoodnick, once bragged “give me a generation, and I will change the world.”  Which he did, we just didn’t think it would happen here.  And as I see teachers packing, guards in schools, police not responding, crack houses everywhere, and we still look at the news and say “it can never happen to me,” we are overcome by a great delusion, called Normalcy Bias.  The it could never happen to me, because I have never seen it happen syndrome.  And as the poor seek refuge in politicians promises, they lose even more hope.  Where is God in all this, has He abandoned us?  Why hasn’t He heard our cry?

The answers are simple-God never left, we have left Hiim, He has heard our cries, and He is even answering, as He has for 2000 years, the answer is Jesus.  Money doesn’t buy jobs, or change neighborhoods, but turning to God does.  Any place a change of heart occurs, a change in life follows.  God’s people prosper, and do not give up.  We do no lose hope, although at times it appears hopeless, and life can be like buckwheats-slow beatings.  But God takes us through it, maybe not unscathed, but victorious.  So why aren’t you choosing Him today?  Why aren’t you looking to God?  One of the first scriptures I learned was in 2 Corinthians 4:8.  We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed.  We are perplexed, not in despair, persecuted but not forsaken, struck down, but not destroyed....sound like you?  It was written by Paul from prison, trusting Jesus all the way.  If he can do it from a cell, can you do it from wherever you are?  Look around, is your life becoming a Detroit, bankrupt and broke, only an image of its former self, or are you seeking God, and watching as Jesus Christ changes lives, and neighborhoods, and cities?  When General Mac Arthur was asked what Japan needed after WWII, he told them they were a broken and faithless nation, send Bibles and missionaries.  We sent...none of the above.  And soon Detroit became a war zone.  Are we next?

What will you look back at in 45 years?  KIA, Hyundai, Nissan, and even Honda cars were unheard of in 1966.  Ask a kid under 25 what is a Plymouth, Oldsmobile, or Pontiac?  Over 45, ask about Hudson, Nash, and Rambler.  Those living in Detroit thought it could never happen to them.  All great civilizations have rotted from within, turning from God.  Broke or broken, and your answer is...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com